2 syllables: An, ger. Stress on An.
ANG-gur
/ˈæŋɡɚ/
Anger is pronounced ANG-gur (/ˈæŋɡɚ/). It has two syllables (An-ger), with the stress on "An". Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility, often accompanied by physiological arousal. As a noun, it denotes this emotional state or the cause of it; as a verb in related forms, it can mean to enrage someone. In everyday use, it ranges from mild irritation to intense rage, frequently shaping behavior and speech in social contexts.
nounAnger is a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility, often accompanied by physiological arousal. As a noun, it denotes this emotional state or the cause of it; as a verb in related forms, it can mean to enrage someone. In everyday use, it ranges from mild irritation to intense rage, frequently shaping behavior and speech in social contexts.
"Her anger cooled after she took a few deep breaths."
"The crowd's anger grew as the decision was announced."
"His angry reply surprised everyone in the room."
Anger is pronounced with two syllables: /ˈæŋ.ɡər/ in US and UK English. The first syllable has a low-front vowel as in “cat,” with a voiced velar nasal /ŋ/ following. The second syllable uses a schwa-like /ə/ or a reduced /ər/ sound depending on accent; in rhotic accents you’ll hear an /ɜr/ or /ər/ ending. Practice by saying AN-ger, keeping the /æ/ and the /ŋ/ tight, and gently releasing into /ɡər/ in rapid speech. For audio reference, compare to pronunciation on Pronounce or Forvo entries labeled US/UK.
Common errors include: 1) Flattening the /æ/ to a more central vowel; keep the bright /æ/ as in ‘cat.’ 2) Dropping or softening the /ŋ/ into an /n/ or /ŋg/ cluster; ensure nasal velar sound is clear. 3) Finishing with a weak /ər/ instead of a clear /ər/ or /ɜr/ depending on accent; aim for a distinct but quick second syllable. Practice with minimal pairs to lock the rhythm: Anger vs. angered vs. angers.
In US English, /ˈæŋɡər/ with rhotic /r/ at the end and a clear /ə/. UK English often uses /ˈæŋɡə/ with a reduced final vowel and less rhotic emphasis in non-rhotic varieties. Australian English tends toward /ˈæŋɡə/ or /ˈæŋɡəɹ/ with a more centralized vowel in the second syllable and a lightly pronounced /r/ depending on speaker. The primary contrast is rhoticity and vowel quality; US rhotic r is retained, UK may be non-rhotic, AU varies but commonly leans toward /ə/ in the final syllable.
The difficulty lies in the short, clipped second syllable and the /ŋ/ nasal followed by a /ɡ/ consonant; the sequence /ŋɡ/ can be tricky for learners who are not used to the tight velar nasal cluster. Additionally, the final /ər/ or /ə/ can reduce in fast speech, making the word sound like a single syllable unless you deliberately articulate the ending. Practice with speed drills to stabilize the transition from /ŋ/ to /ɡ/ and then to /ər/.
Yes, for many US speakers, Anger ends with a small, unstressed /ər/ or /ɚ/ sound, giving two syllables: AN-ger. In rapid speech, some speakers reduce the second syllable further, producing a sound like /æŋɡɚ/. The key is a light, quick release from /ŋ/ into a schwa-like vowel while keeping the /r/ influence soft in rhotic accents. Listen to native samples and mimic the vowel duration and rhythm.
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Anger originates from Middle English anger, from Old French angoir, from Latin angustare ‘to distress, narrow, suffocate,’ from angustus ‘narrow, tight.’ The Proto-Indo-European root *“ang-” expresses pain, choking, or constriction, reflecting the emotional experience of anger as a tightening sensation. In Old French, angoir denoted distress or trouble, often linked to physical sensations of heat or swelling. By the 13th century, English borrowed anger to refer to the emotion itself, distinguishing it from related terms like wrath or envy. Over time, its use broadened to describe both internal feelings and outward expressions (outbursts, irritations, or provocations). The word’s semantic field has remained stable: a powerful, sometimes uncomfortable emotional state that can influence perception, decision-making, and social interaction. Cross-linguistic parallels exist in many languages where terms combine notions of heat, tension, and social offense, underscoring anger as a socially salient emotion that often demands regulation or catharsis.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Anger" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Anger" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Anger"
-ger sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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